MSG Networks head Mike McCarthy resigned yesterday and sources say he is likely to take over the newly created regional sports network formed by the Mets.

McCarthy, who worked at Cablevision’s MSG Networks for 23 years, will serve as a consultant to MSG and have a role in finding a successor.

“This arrangement is a perfect fit – it allows me to help chart the future of MSG Networks, while also exploring exciting new career opportunities for my future,” he said in a statement.

In October, The Post broke the story that the Mets, along with Time Warner Cable and Comcast, were forming a new regional sports network to air games beginning in 2006.

Sources said McCarthy is leaving his job at MSG to eventually take the helm at the new network, which is as yet unnamed. In addition to his role as head of MSG – which will continue to air Mets games until the end of the 2005 season – McCarthy also has numerous other ties to the Mets.

His brother is currently the head groundskeeper for the Mets, a job his father once held. McCarthy has also worked closely with the Wilpon family, which owns the Mets.

In addition, MSG airs Devils, Knicks and Rangers games.

McCarthy inked an extraordinary 20-year extension to continue airing Devils games. Financial terms were not disclosed, but the move was seen observers as an effort to keep the nascent Mets network from securing the rights to air pro sports games during the winter.